Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will MISS OUT on the MLS Cup Playoffs, Taylor Twellman insists… as he predicts superstar’s Argentina commitments will hamper his new team

• Lionel Messi has helped transform the fortunes of Inter Miami since arriving
• But Tata Martino’s side still face an uphill struggle to reach the postseason
• DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news 

Lionel Messi’s international commitments with Argentina will cost Inter Miami a place in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

That’s according to analyst Taylor Twellman, who points out that Tata Martino’s side still need to be near-perfect to reach the postseason.

Messi has helped transform Inter Miami since his debut on July 21. Over 11 matches, the 36-year-old has amassed 11 goals and five assists en route to 10 wins, one draw and the team’s first ever trophy.

But Messi will miss this weekend’s match against Sporting Kansas City because he is away with Argentina. He will report back ahead of the team’s September 16 trip to Atlanta United.

With Miami still eight points off the playoff places with nine matches to play, Twellman feels Messi’s absence will prove crucial.

‘I’m still going to say they miss the playoffs,’ the former player said on Offside With Taylor Twellman.

‘And here’s why: Messi’s going on international duty during this week’s game against Sporting Kansas City. And he’s not even certain to start immediately when he comes back September 16 at Atlanta – on turf.’

Messi scored a free kick on Thursday night as Argentina beat Ecuador 1-0 in the first of two matches in this international break. The World Cup winners face Bolivia on Tuesday.

Miami sat bottom of the Eastern Conference – with the worst record in all of MLS – when Messi arrived alongside former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

Their first three league matches have brought road wins at New York Red Bulls and LAFC as well as a goalless draw against Nashville. 

But it remains a uphill struggle for Miami to catch ninth-place DC United – particularly with other key players on international duty, too.

‘Miami still needs every possible point when they can get in order to get into the playoffs,’ Twellman added. 

‘They drowned out the black and gold in LA this past weekend. They were fantastic. 

‘Drake Callendar looking like Sisqo with his blonde hair, still standing on his head. He’ll be available against Sporting Kansas city, but he’s also going away with the US men’s national team.’